Become a Leader in Veteran Care: Chief of Hematology/Oncology in the Bronx, New York

For senior clinical leaders, few professional milestones match the satisfaction of combining top-tier clinical operations, cutting-edge clinical trials, and academic mentorship. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique administrative and clinical milestone: the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Hematology/Oncology at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

This executive clinical leadership role is designed for a visionary physician eager to shape oncology care for the nation's military veterans. It features a prestigious clinical academic appointment at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, bridging public service with Ivy League clinical research and education. With a competitive salary, unmatched benefits, and up to $200,000 in student loan repayment, this position stands out as a premier opportunity in the New York medical landscape.

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About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States, providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans at clinical centers across the country. Guided by President Lincoln’s promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military," the VHA works to honor and heal America’s heroes.

The VA Medical Center in the Bronx boasts a robust clinical footprint, serving as a hub of excellence for complex medical subspecialties. In addition to serving a diverse and highly deserving patient demographic, this medical center is a vital research facility. Its clinical affiliation with Columbia University Irving Medical Center allows staff physicians to participate in academic inquiry and mentor the next generation of hematologists and oncologists. Culturally, the team is defined by compassionate, whole-health clinical care, where the physical, mental, and emotional needs of Veterans are prioritized.

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Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of Hematology/Oncology, you will split your time between administrative management, clinical service, and academic leadership. You will be the clinical and operational head of the Hematology/Oncology section, ensuring high standards of care are integrated across all subspecialty services.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Administrative Management: Provide executive leadership to the section, including budget management, operational planning, clinical schedule development, and service resource allocation.
• Clinical Care Delivery: Perform direct patient care through expert consultative hematological and oncological services, managing outpatient clinics and coordinating complex chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens.
• Clinical Trials Leadership: Support and expand the facility's robust cancer clinical trials program, staying at the forefront of oncology innovation and collaborating on multi-institutional studies.
• Academic Mentorship: Hold a faculty appointment at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. You will directly train, evaluate, and mentor clinical fellows and medical residents rotating through the VA's subspecialty programs.
• Staff Supervision & Evaluation: Conduct annual performance reviews, direct peer charts, and complete Focused Professional Practice Evaluations (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluations (OPPE) for physicians and mid-level providers.
• Quality & Safety Advocacy: Actively participate in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) teams, quality assurance chart reviews, and facility committees to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.

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Salary Overview & Financial Incentives

This executive leadership role offers a highly competitive compensation structure that rivals the private sector, paired with the stability of a federal appointment.

• Base Salary Range: $285,000 to $315,000 per year.
• Pay-Setting Process: Individual salary placement within the range is determined by a formal, peer-reviewed pay-setting board. Factors considered include years of clinical practice, academic publications, leadership credentials, and board certifications.
• Performance Bonuses: Eligible for annual performance bonuses based on quality-of-care achievements and operational excellence.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): This position is fully authorized for the EDRP, which provides up to $200,000 in tax-free reimbursement over a five-year period to pay down qualifying medical school loans.

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Benefits Comparison: VHA vs. Private Practice

To highlight the financial and lifestyle advantages of a federal medical career, the following table compares VHA employment to typical private sector practices:

Benefit Category	Veterans Health Administration (VHA)	Typical Private Practice
Annual Paid Time Off	50–55 Days (26 annual, 13 sick, 11 federal holidays + CME leave)	Usually 15–25 days total
Retirement & Pension	Dual-benefit: Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) + Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with 5% matching	401(k) matching only (no defined benefit pension)
Malpractice Protection	Comprehensive protection under the Federal Tort Claims Act; tail coverage included	High annual premiums; tail coverage is complex and expensive
Employment Contracts	No restrictive physician employment contracts; no non-compete clauses	Restrictive contracts with geographic non-compete clauses
Licensure Flexibility	Only one active, unrestricted U.S. state license required to practice anywhere	Must hold a separate license for each state of practice
Student Loan Support	Up to $200,000 tax-free through EDRP	Rarely offered, or capped at minor, taxable amounts

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Job Requirements & Qualifications

To be considered for this leadership role, applicants must meet the following federal requirements:

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens will only be appointed if no qualified U.S. citizens are available, in accordance with federal hiring policies.
• Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Licensure: Hold a current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Residency Training: Successful completion of an accredited residency training program (approved by the ACGME or AOA) that leads to eligibility for board certification in Hematology and/or Medical Oncology.
• English Language Proficiency: Must speak, write, and understand English fluently.

Physical Requirements:

This active clinical and leadership role requires physical stamina, including:

• Lifting and carrying medical equipment or materials.
• Reaching above the shoulder and using hands/fingers for detailed clinical tasks.
• Extended periods of walking and standing (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Ability to adapt to occasionally irregular work hours and handle the emotional strain of oncology care.

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Proven Application Tips

Applying for a high-level federal clinical role requires a strategic approach. Use these tips to ensure your application stands out:

1. Use the Required Clinical Resume Template: The VA uses a specific standard template to assess credentials. Download the VA Clinical Resume Document as instructed in the job announcement. Upload this unchanged, one-page document into the restricted 'Resume' upload field.
2. Upload Your Full CV Separately: While the system requires the one-page resume template in the standard resume slot, you can upload your full, multi-page professional CV in the 'Other' document upload slot. There are no page limitations for this field.
3. Detail Your Leadership and Research History: The pay-setting committee reviews your documentation to determine your salary. Explicitly outline your clinical leadership roles, clinical trial involvements, publication list, and experience mentoring medical fellows.
4. Double-Check Your Licensure and Board Details: List all active and historic state medical licenses, including license numbers and expiration dates, along with your current Board Certifications.

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2. Can I continue to participate in private consulting or moonlighting?

Yes. Unlike many private hospital systems, the VHA does not utilize restrictive physician employment contracts or geographic non-compete clauses. You may engage in outside professional activities, including moonlighting, provided they do not conflict with your primary duties and are pre-approved by the facility's ethics committee.

3. What academic opportunities come with the Columbia University appointment?

As an academic affiliate, you will hold a clinical faculty appointment at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. You will collaborate on academic initiatives, teach hematology and oncology fellows rotating through the VA clinic, and participate in clinical research programs.

4. How long does the credentialing and hiring process take?

Federal credentialing and background checks are thorough. The process typically takes several months, as it includes verifying your medical education, licensing history, board certifications, and professional references.

5. What are the clinical hours for this position?

This is a full-time, Monday through Friday role from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. While the schedule is stable, the Chief may occasionally need to work irregular hours or handle clinical emergencies as required by the facility's medical leadership.

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The Chief of Hematology/Oncology position at the Bronx VA is a premier clinical leadership opportunity in New York. By combining executive administrative authority, active clinical care, clinical trial research, and an academic appointment at Columbia University, this role offers a diverse and rewarding career.

If you are a board-certified physician ready to apply your expertise in service of America’s Veterans, take the next step in your career. Review the required documents, download the standard clinical resume template, and submit your application via USAJobs today.